Ancient golden-domed churches, deep Soviet-era metro stations, and riverside parks along the Dnieper make this Ukrainian capital a significant cultural center of Eastern Europe.
Tour of the Chernobyl Disaster
Explore the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone's history, abandoned Pripyat, and nature's resurgence in this significant yet somber site.
UNESCO World Heritage Saint Sophia
Visit Kyiv's Saint Sophia's Cathedral to see 11th-century mosaics, its grand bell tower, and historical exhibits.
Independence Square Heart of City
Explore Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv, a historic square surrounded by landmarks, with cultural events and a hub for city life.
Historic and Political Mariyinsky Palace
Visit Mariyinsky Palace in Kiev for a glimpse into Ukraine's political history and Baroque architecture, next to the calming Mariyinsky Park.
Kyiv Funicular
Explore the Kyiv Funicular, linking Kyiv's high city to Podil since 1905, offering scenic city and river views during its brief journey.
Artistic Andriyivskyy Descent Street
Explore Andriyivskyy Descent for its historic charm, art galleries, St. Andrew's Church, Bulgakov Museum, and Ukrainian crafts.
The Motherland Monument Museum Complex
Explore the towering Mother Motherland statue in Kyiv, a 102m monument with a museum detailing Ukraine's World War II history.
World-Class Performances in Kyiv
Explore the cultural heritage and performances at Kyiv's early 20th-century National Opera of Ukraine.
Historic Monastery of the Caves
Explore Kyiv Pechersk Lavra's 11th-century monastery, iconic bell tower, underground caves with monk burials, and rich Ukrainian heritage.
Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is a city where you can visit ancient churches with golden domes like St. Sophia Cathedral, or admire modern skyscrapers. You can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, walk through the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, or watch a performance at the Taras Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. The city's metro system, with its deep stations and Soviet-era design, helps you move efficiently between different areas.
Navigating Kyiv: The Metro and Beyond
The Kyiv Metro is more than just transportation; many consider it an attraction. You'll find architectural highlights at stations like Zoloti Vorota, with its mosaics and chandeliers, and Arsenalna, one of the deepest metro stations globally at 105.5 meters underground. The metro connects major areas of the city, making it easy to reach popular sites. For areas without metro access, Kyiv has a network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Walking through the historic center allows you to discover hidden courtyards and street art.
Green Spaces in the Urban Landscape
Kyiv has many parks and gardens. You can visit two botanical gardens: the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden and the O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden. Hydropark, an island park in the Dnieper River, has beaches, sports facilities, and an amusement park. Locals and visitors often come here during warm months. For a quieter experience, go to Holosiivsky Park on the southern outskirts of the city, where deciduous forests provide a calm environment away from city noise.
Exploring Kyiv's Cultural Scene
Kyiv's cultural activities cater to various interests. The Taras Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents opera and ballet performances. For plays, you can visit the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater or the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Theater. The city's museums cover a range of topics. The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War displays exhibits about the country's wartime experiences, while the Pinchuk Art Centre focuses on contemporary art.
Historical Landmarks of Kyiv
St. Sophia Cathedral and Kyiv Pechersk Lavra are central to Kyiv's history. St. Sophia, built in the 11th century, has Byzantine architecture with later Ukrainian baroque additions. Inside, you can see well-preserved mosaics and frescoes from the 11th century. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, also called the Monastery of the Caves, is a complex of churches and underground tunnels. You can explore the catacombs where mummified monks rest and visit several museums within the complex.
